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Science News Archive July 2024 - Page 37


Page 37 of 41

Why do you keep your house so cold? Science says: Ask your parents

A study published in PLOS Climate found that childhood home temperatures and community connectedness can help predict how U.S. residents set their thermostats. The researchers surveyed 2,128 participants and found that those who grew up in cold-winter locales tend to dial up their thermostats higher than those raised in warmer homes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2024

From space to swamp: innovative AI method classifies mangrove species with unprecedented accuracy

A new study introduces an AI-driven approach to classify mangrove species with remarkable accuracy, using multisource remote sensing data and machine learning algorithms. The XGBoost ensemble learning algorithm achieved a classification accuracy of 94.02%, significantly improving results compared to single-source data.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateJul 3, 2024

Do genes-in-pieces code for proteins that fold in pieces?

Researchers found a correlation between protein folding and evolution in certain globular protein families, with most conserved exons corresponding to better foldons. However, the general trend did not hold for all protein families, suggesting other biological factors may influence protein folding and evolution.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2024

Discovery of cellular mechanism to maintain brain’s energy could benefit late-life brain health

Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that detects when the brain needs an extra energy boost to support its activity. This discovery could lead to new therapies for maintaining brain health and longevity by targeting impaired brain energy metabolism, a process accelerated in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

Lifesaving star

A novel, star-shaped polymer has been developed as a low-volume resuscitant for prehospital treatment of severe hemorrhagic shock. The solution can refill blood vessels without disrupting coagulation, offering an improvement over existing colloidal resuscitants.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

Measuring body language

A team of researchers developed EMOKINE software to measure the objective kinematic features of movements that express emotions. The software provides movement parameters from data sets at the touch of a button, allowing scientists to analyze emotional expression and intentions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateJul 3, 2024

An innovative test to diagnose chagas disease in newborns

A novel diagnostic test combining LAMP molecular amplification with a 3D printer-based DNA extraction system shows comparable sensitivity to PCR, offering a simple and rapid solution for detecting T. cruzi infection in newborns. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, which was successfully applied in the study.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

New study on children and food:  Fruit chunks in yogurt are a turn off for one age group in particular

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that six-year-olds prefer smooth textures in their food, with a preference rate of 76% for lump-free options. Researchers suggest that this aversion may be linked to a protective mechanism against potentially poisonous foods or other dangers as children become more independent.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Texture Studies·DateJul 3, 2024

Mapping the surfaces of MXenes, atom by atom, reveals new potential for the 2D materials

A team of researchers from Drexel University and UCLA used scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy to study the surface chemical structure of titanium carbide MXene. They found features on the surface, including titanium oxide clusters and functional groups, which could explain MXene's extreme properties and potential applications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalMatter·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 3, 2024

Mighty floods of the Nile River during warmer and wetter climates

A 1,500 year long sediment core off the Nile mouth recorded past floods with varying amounts of fluvial particulate matter. The analysis suggests that the North African Humid Period was characterized by extremely strong and variable Nile floods, with a period of strong erosional activity between 9,200 and 8,600 years ago.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

Technology-assisted therapy for children and young people is an effective alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that technology-assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is as effective as face-to-face CBT in treating anxiety and depression in children and young people. The study highlights the potential of technology-assisted CBT to expand access to mental health treatment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalClinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 3, 2024

Eco-friendly solution for battery waste: new study unveils novel metal extraction technique

A novel process for extracting metals from spent alkaline batteries has been developed, offering a promising solution for recycling critical materials. The technique achieves high extraction efficiencies of 99.6% for zinc and 86.1% for manganese, making it cheaper and more energy-efficient than existing methods.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateJul 3, 2024

AI model to improve patient response to cancer therapy

A new AI tool, DeepPT, has been developed to select the most suitable treatment for cancer patients by predicting their messenger RNA profile. The tool, combined with ENLIGHT, successfully predicted a patient's response to cancer therapies across multiple types of cancer, improving patient response rates from 33.3% to 46.5%.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 3, 2024

E-cigarette use and lung cancer screening uptake

A cross-sectional study found that e-cigarette users were less likely to undergo lung cancer screening. The research suggests that e-cigarettes contain carcinogens and may cause similar gene deregulations as combustible tobacco. This association may be particularly concerning for individuals who have quit smoking combustible cigarettes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 2, 2024

Study identifies highly soluble molecules with superior antioxidant benefits for cells

Researchers have identified two highly soluble molecules with superior antioxidant benefits for cells, which could help prevent and manage certain degenerative diseases by maintaining lower levels of harmful free radicals. The study suggests that these molecules can transfer and accumulate in membranes, reducing the risk of cell damage.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 2, 2024

A new target for treatment of one type of macular degeneration

Researchers found that inhibiting telomerase, an enzyme related to cell growth and division, can suppress abnormal vascular growth in the retina. This discovery provides a potential alternative treatment option for wet AMD, which is currently treated with anti-VEGF injections.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024

An alternative way to manipulate quantum states

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully manipulated quantum states of single electron spins using spin-polarized currents. This method, which bypasses traditional electromagnetic fields, has the potential to control quantum states with unprecedented precision and localizability.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2024

iFAB awarded $51 million EDA Tech Hubs grant to propel Central Illinois as a biomanufacturing leader

The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub has been awarded a $51 million EDA grant to position Central Illinois as a global leader in biomanufacturing and precision fermentation. The grant will support the growth of biomanufacturing businesses, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

Prosocial influencers can promote societal cooperation

A modeling study suggests that prosocial behaviors can arise and be maintained in large societies through various mechanisms, including influencers who recruit neighbors to cooperate. The strategy produced similar results as strong leadership that prevents detected defectors from defecting again.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 2, 2024

Study shows hairy skin does not become less sensitive with age

Researchers found that touch sensitivity declines only in hairless skin regions with age, such as the hands, while hairy areas like cheeks remain sensitive. The study suggests that hairy skin may act as an antenna to transmit mechanical stimuli and preserve touch sensitivity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024

Potential new target for early treatment of Alzheimer's disease

A study found that targeting heparan sulfate-modified proteins improves cell repair, rescues neuron loss and reverses cellular changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Disrupting these proteins promotes autophagy-dependent cell repair and reverses early cellular problems in models of Alzheimer's.

SourcePenn State·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024